�Q: My daughter, 21, just graduated from college. She has a private pilot certificate, about 100 hours of flight time, and a tailwheel endorsement. She wants to go into aviation as a career. She is interested in something such as bush flying or floatplane charters.
Does it matter right now what she builds time in, or is it best to build time in a complex? If complex is needed, I would probably buy an older Mooney M20C or a Piper Arrow. If it doesn’t matter, I might get something that I would like, too—even a biplane or RV-6. I also thought about getting a cheap twin for her to build time in, but I’m scared by the potential cost if something goes amiss. It may be better to rent a twin. Your thoughts on building multi time?—Lee
�A: It is laudable that you are supporting your daughter in her dreams. Sit down with your girl and develop a career plan. It’s like planning a cross-country. How do you know how to get there if you don’t know where you’re going?
As you say, aviation is diverse with varying opportunities. Talk with pilots and operators. If the young lady wants to be a bush pilot, then take the AOPA Anchorage Flight Instructor Refresher Course in November and have lunch with a bunch of bush pilots. Give the folks at Kenmore Aviation in Seattle a call and get the scoop about floatplane Part 135 operations. Engage working pilots around the local aerodrome and pick their brains about how best to prepare. With your daughter in tow, you know that any professional pilot will be happy to provide course direction.
As a general rule, the more complex the aircraft, the more impressive the résumé. Having 500 hours in a Turbo 210 versus 1,000 hours in a 152 sure sounds and looks a lot better, no matter where the job application is made. Of course, twin time is the gold standard. Frankly, I think single-pilot IFR should carry more weight in the application process than time in a Seminole or Apache.
Finally, don’t forget to consider establishing your own aircraft leaseback firm. You won’t get rich, but much of the cost of ownership may be covered by rental income. Then there’s depreciation, normal business expenses, proficiency conferences, et cetera.
Search “leaseback” into the at AOPA Online and dig in. Much good luck to you and your daughter.
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